Assertion (A): Nalanda University was a prominent center for the study of…
Assertion (A): Nalanda University was a prominent center for the study of Mahayana Buddhism, attracting scholars from various Asian countries.
Reason (R): The university was extensively patronized by the Gupta rulers and later by the Pala dynasty, ensuring its long-term financial stability and development.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Answer: B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A) — Assertion (A): "Nalanda University was a prominent center for the study of Mahayana Buddhism, attracting scholars from various Asian countries." Nalanda,…
- A.
Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- B.
Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C.
(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- D.
(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Attempted by 12 students.
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Correct answer: B
Assertion (A): "Nalanda University was a prominent center for the study of Mahayana Buddhism, attracting scholars from various Asian countries."
Nalanda, located in present-day Bihar, was one of the world's first residential universities and specialized in Mahayana Buddhism, though it taught other subjects like Vedas, Logic, Grammar, and Medicine.
Chinese pilgrims like Hsuan Tsang and I-tsing documented its international reputation and the presence of thousands of monks and scholars from countries like China, Korea, Tibet, and Indonesia.
Thus, (A) is correct.
Reason (R): "The university was extensively patronized by the Gupta rulers and later by the Pala dynasty, ensuring its long-term financial stability and development."
Nalanda flourished under the Gupta Empire, and subsequent patronage from the Pala kings (like Dharmapala and Devapala) greatly contributed to its expansion and maintenance over centuries.
Patronage involved grants of land (villages) for revenue to sustain the large institution.
Thus, (R) is correct.
Determining the Relationship between (A) and (R):
(A) speaks about Nalanda's academic focus (Mahayana Buddhism) and global reach.
(R) speaks about its political and financial support (patronage).
While royal patronage (R) was crucial for the university's existence, growth, and ability to attract scholars, it does not specifically explain why it focused on Mahayana Buddhism or became internationally renowned (A). The focus was due to the religious landscape and academic excellence.
Hence, (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).